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Operations expert joins SFO executive team

19 October, 2022 | News Releases

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has announced that Abi Howarth will be joining the Executive Team as Chief Operating Officer.  

Abi Howarth, who has held the position of Director of Operations at the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) since 2018, brings with her extensive experience of managing and improving the operational delivery of public sector organisations. At both PHSO and the Disclosure and Barring Service, Ms Howarth has overseen the streamlining and delivery of high-volume casework, raising performance standards and ensuring increased and effective compliance with necessary processes and procedures.

Ms Howarth, who is expected to join the SFO in January 2023, will complete the existing Senior Leadership Team, currently consisting of Lisa Osofsky, Director; Michelle Crotty, Chief Capability Officer and acting Chief Operating Officer and Sara Lawson KC, General Counsel.

On her appointment, Abi Howarth said: “I am delighted to be joining the SFO team and supporting the next phase of the improvement journey, continuing the organisation’s vital efforts to fight financial crime and deliver justice to victims.” 

Lisa Osofsky, Director of the Serious Fraud Office, said: “I am pleased to welcome Abi to the SFO and to my senior team. Her extensive knowledge and lived experience of modernising operations in public sector organisations will be a huge asset to the SFO. I look forward to working with her.”

 

Notes to editors:

  • The Serious Fraud Office fights complex financial crime to deliver justice and protect the UK’s reputation as a safe place to do business. We investigate and prosecute the most serious or complex cases of fraud, bribery and corruption.